Nutritional and phytochemical profiles and biological activities of Moringa oleifera Lam. edible parts from Guinea-Bissau (West Africa)

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is an edible medicinal plant used to fight malnutrition in Africa. In this study, M. oleifera flowers, fruits and seeds from Guinea-Bissau were characterized for their nutritional composition and hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared to investigate the phenolic profiles and bioactivities. Seeds presented higher levels of proteins (~31 g/100 g dw), fat (~26 g/100 g dw) and flavan-3-ol derivatives, while carbohydrates, proteins, citric acid, and glycosylated flavonoids were abundant in fruits and flowers, these last samples also being rich in α-tocopherol (~18 mg/100 g dw). Some of the identified polyphenols had never been described in M. oleifera. In general, hydroethanolic extracts contained more polyphenols and were more active against lipid peroxidation, NO production, and tumour cells growth. Significant antimicrobial effects against the tested bacteria and fungi strains were displayed by both hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts. The M. oleifera potential to fight malnutrition and health issues was highlighted.

Antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity of moringa ( Moringa oleifera ) seed extract in Longfin yellowtail ( Seriola rivoliana ) peripheral blood leukocytes

“…oleifera leaves did not affect viability of gilthead sea bream head‐kidney leukocytes after 24 h of exposure. Interestingly, in cancer cells, Fernandes et al, (2020) observed that different seed and flower hydroethanolic extracts could reduce proliferation and invasion. Similarly, M .…”

“…Overall, M . oleifera is a good source of secondary metabolites and has contributed to therapeutic, biological and medicinal properties (Fernandes et al, 2020). Particularly, its seed kernels possess anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial activities (Jaja‐Chimedza et al, 2017), as well as defensive effects against rheumatoid arthritis (Mahajan et al, 2007).…”

Do Bioactive Food Compound with Avena sativa L., Linum usitatissimum L. and Glycine max L. Supplementation with Moringa oleifera Lam. Have a Role against Nutritional Disorders? An Overview of the In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

“…This takes advantage of the effects of oats, flaxseed and soya on the normalization of the lipidic and glycemic profile, through their chemical and nutritional composition, providing strategies for the nutritional management and prevention of obesity, DM2, dyslipidemia/CVD and MS [ 61 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 ]. These functional foods and their different bioactive properties related to NTCDs can be associated with the nutrients present in M. oleifera , which presents excellent nutritional potential and broad pharmacological properties [ 20 , 31 , 108 , 109 ]…”

“…That is because M. oleifera is rich in macro and micronutrients [ 57 , 149 , 150 , 151 ]. The plant is also considered to be a moderately adequate source of calcium, niacin (B3), protein, essential amino acids (threonine, valine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, histidine, lysine and arginine) and dietary fiber [ 57 , 108 , 149 , 152 ].…”

“…Another study showed the supplementation of M. oleifera leaf powder, administered in children with malnutrition, demonstrating the effectiveness in improving nutritional recovery [ 151 ]. On the other hand, the consumption of 14 g of M. oleifera did not improve the nutritional status and body composition of malnourished individuals [ 108 , 155 , 156 , 157 ]. Therefore, further clinical studies are needed to indicate M. oleifera for malnutrition.…”